How Much Does A Shoulder Tattoos Cost?
Tattoos are an incredible form of self-expression. Shoulder tattoos, in particular, are popular for their versatility and visibility on the body. Whether considering a small symbolic design or an intricate masterpiece covering the entire shoulder, understanding shoulder tattoo prices is important before getting one.
Shoulder tattoo cost depends on multiple factors, including size, complexity, ink colour, artist experience, and studio location. This guide will break down pricing details, provide professional insights, and offer essential tips on budgeting for your ideal tattoo.
How Much Does a Shoulder Tattoo Cost?
The cost of a shoulder tattoo usually varies according to factors like the design’s details, artist experience, and studio location, but the table below provides a general estimate based on industry research and consultations with professional tattoo artists.
| Tattoo Type | Shoulder Tattoo Price |
| Small Shoulder Tattoo | $200 – $500 |
| Shoulder Cap Tattoo | $800 – $1,500 |
| Full Shoulder Tattoo | $1,000 – $1,700+ |
The Artist’s skill, design complexity, and geographical location influence the final cost. Highly detailed tattoos, intricate shading, or full-color designs often cost more.
Factors That Affect Shoulder Tattoo Prices
1. Tattoo Size
The size of the tattoo plays a crucial role in determining the final price.
- Small tattoos (2-4 inches): $200 – $500
- Medium tattoos (4-6 inches): $500 – $1,000
- Large tattoos (6+ inches): $1,000 – $1,700+
2. Color vs. Black & Gray Tattoos
- Black & Gray Tattoos: Usually more affordable since they require fewer ink colors and shading techniques.
- Colored Tattoos: More expensive due to the additional tattoo ink colors and shading involved.
Professional Insight: “A full-color tattoo requires more layers of ink and touch-ups over time, making it a pricier choice compared to black and grey designs,” says Alex Turner, a tattoo artist at Ink Haven Studios.
3. Artist Experience & Reputation
Tattoo artists charge based on their skill and reputation.
| Experience Level | Hourly Rate |
| Beginner | $80 – $180 |
| Experienced | $150 – $250 |
| Renowned Artist | $300+ |
High-profile artists, especially those with established portfolios or long waitlists, tend to charge more.
4. Studio Location
Cost of shoulder tattoo varies depending on where the studio is located.
Location Price Influence
- Big Cities (NYC, LA, SF) Higher pricing ($200+ per hour)
- Mid-sized cities Moderate pricing ($100 – $200 per hour)
- Rural areas or small towns More affordable ($80 – $150 per hour)
5. Custom vs. Pre-Designed Tattoos
- Pre-designed tattoos (flash tattoos) are often cheaper as they require less prep time.
- Custom designs require sketching, adjustments, and detailing, increasing the overall cost.
Shoulder Tattoo Prices by Design
The style and intricacy of the tattoo design also affect the pricing. Below are standard shoulder tattoo designs and their cost ranges.
| Tattoo Design | Estimated Cost Range |
| Dragon Shoulder Tattoo | $400 – $1,700 |
| Flower Shoulder Tattoo | $70 – $300 |
| Tiger Shoulder Tattoo | $700 – $1,700 |
| Tribal Shoulder Tattoo | $500 – $1,500 |
| Minimalist Shoulder Tattoo | $200 – $600 |
Some styles, such as tribal tattoos, require intricate detailing and shading, leading to higher costs.
How to Find a Good Tattoo Artist Within Your Budget
Finding a skilled artist at an affordable price requires research and planning. Here are five key steps:
1. Check Online Reviews & Portfolios: Websites like Instagram and Yelp showcase artists’ work, allowing you to assess their style and quality.
2. Ask for Recommendations: Word-of-mouth referrals from friends can lead to reliable and skilled artists.
3. Compare Pricing Across Studios: Tattoo prices vary, so getting multiple quotes ensures you receive a fair deal.
4. Schedule a Consultation: Discuss pricing, ink quality, and design modifications before deciding.
5. Look for Apprenticeship Discounts: Some established studios offer lower rates for tattoos done by apprentices under supervision.
Tattoo Aftercare & Longevity Tips
Proper aftercare ensures that your ink design remains vibrant and doesn’t tattoo fade prematurely.
- Moisturize with fragrance-free lotion.
- Avoid sun exposure to prevent fading.
- Follow proper cleaning guidelines to avoid infections.
- Schedule touch-ups if necessary.
Common Aftercare Mistakes to Avoid:
- Picking or scratching the tattoo.
- Exposing it to direct sunlight too soon.
- Submerging it in water (pools, hot tubs) before healing is complete.
FAQ
Why is a shoulder tattoo the best?
The shoulder is an ideal location for larger-sized tattoo designs, not only for women but also for men. This tattoo is perfect for individuals who prefer bold statements on their bodies, as the shoulder is a more visible area. Moreover, getting a tattoo on this body part tends to be less painful due to the relatively lower number of nerve endings.
Is it a good idea to get a shoulder tattoo?
The shoulder is one of the most prominent parts of the body, which makes it an excellent placement for a tattoo, especially for females. Furthermore, the design inked on the shoulder is easy to conceal if you wish to hide it.
Do shoulder tattoos hurt a lot?
Pain is a natural part of the tattooing process as it involves the injection of tattoo needles into the skin. However, the intensity of pain varies depending on the location of the body part and the individual’s pain tolerance. In the case of shoulder tattoos, the experience tends to be less painful due to the thinner skin and fewer nerve endings in that area.
Do shoulder tattoos fade?
Fading is a natural process for body artwork, and tattoos fade over time, including shoulder ink designs. However, the speed at which ink design fade depends on various factors such as sun exposure, aftercare, ink quality, and technique. To prevent tattoo fading, it is essential to use high-quality tattoo ink, follow proper aftercare guidelines, and protect the ink design from direct sunlight.
How big is a shoulder tattoo?
The size of a shoulder tattoo depends on different factors, including design, style, and personal preference. Moreover, as you know, the shoulder is a big part of the body, which provides a large area for tattooing. So you can get a small tattoo or a larger design on your shoulder.
How Long Does a Shoulder Tattoo Take?
The time required for a shoulder tattoo depends on the size and detail of the design:
- Small tattoos (1-3 inches): 1 – 3 hours
- Shoulder cap tattoos (4-6 inches): 4 – 6 hours
- Full shoulder tattoos (larger than 6 inches): Multiple sessions totalling 7 – 12+ hours
Conclusion
Getting a shoulder tattoo is an excellent idea since it provides enough space to get any ink design. But when it comes to the price of shoulder tattoos, you should be ready to pay a significant amount. Usually, a larger-sized tattoo design can cost $1,000 to $1,700. At the same time, smaller ink designs cost anywhere between $200 to $500.
Industry Disclaimer: Tattoo prices vary significantly depending on the Artist, studio location, and design complexity. The prices mentioned in this article are estimated averages and may differ from actual costs in your area. Always consult a professional tattoo artist for an accurate quote.
Evelyn Grace
Evelyn Grace ✍️ Tattoo artist & writer @ Tattoogaze.com. Specializes in black & grey tattoos. Creates timeless designs with clients to craft meaningful pieces. Ask me anything!
Evelyn Grace
Evelyn Grace ✍️ Tattoo artist & writer @ Tattoogaze.com. Specializes in black & grey tattoos. Creates timeless designs with clients to craft meaningful pieces. Ask me anything!